FINDINGbalance

"I discovered that groups were not the issue; it was my head and the thoughts that ran through it - “I’m too old”, “people won’t like me”, “I’m not the same as everyone else”, “no one will understand what I’m going through”. However, once there, the Lord taught me a huge lesson; each person I met made me feel safe and assured that I fit in beautifully."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4cmH5IS

To the one really struggling to believe you matter right now, Jesus wants you to know you DO, and that He drew you to this reminder as evidence of His care for you. There is more evidence all around you, if you choose to look for it. We hope you will. You matter. More than you know.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Luke 12:7 (NIV)

In Season 2, Dr. Alisa Shanks of Colorado Christian University and Amy Schaller of FINDINGbalance joined me to answer several listener questions! One question was, “Are the Health at Every Size® principles Biblical?” After listening to that episode, our sweet and spunky friend, Erin Todd, of the "Intuitive Eating for Christian Women" podcast sent a message encouraging us to take that portion of the Q&A mixtape and turn it into a stand-alone episode. She went on to say that she's seen so many women wrestle with this question and loved how we back it all up with Scripture!​​​​​​​​​

With that, today we’re digging into the Health at Every Size® principles and seeing what the Bible has to say about them. Dr. Shanks reveals the 5 principles of Health at Every Size® providing context and examples, and Amy guides us through the discussion of the Biblical nature of each principle. You won’t want to miss this insightful roundtable or the podcast update!

In this episode, we cover:
- If the Health at Every Size® principles are Biblical
- What the 5 HAES® principles are
- What Health at Every Size® is and is not about
- If HAES® is only for people in larger bodies

Listen on your favorite podcast streaming app or at oldschoolfoodfreedom.com!

You already have a body that was designed by the Creator of the Universe. He made your body GOOD for ALL seasons.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Now, get out there and take back your summer!

"Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." - 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT).

"Going back to the gym, I was lost in thoughts of what that might look like; I was excited, yet at times I imagined scenes of people staring at me and talking about me. When I laid it at Jesus' feet, He showed me how important this decision would be, both physically and spiritually."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3XIJtVU

It may feel scary, but it's rather simple. This is how you do it...​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​"Jesus, thank you that your TRUTH for me is the opposite of the lie I've been listening to. Right now, in this moment, I renounce (the lie - speak it out). You have NO power over me. I choose to cling to TRUTH. In Jesus' name, amen."

If you wanna post it loud and proud, we'll cheer you on!

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7 (NIV)

NEW SUMMER THROWBACK EPISODE!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What does the Bible reveal about body shame and image? Quite a lot it turns out! In this throwback episode, Travis Stewart walks us through various scriptures and real-life examples exploring how food and the human body is viewed in our culture, what the Bible teaches us about the body, and how we can find TRUE freedom and healing in Christ.

Oh, and do NOT miss the end of this episode where Travis dives deep into what The Last Supper reveals about our bodies and food. It's powerful!

Listen on your favorite podcast streaming app or at oldschoolfoodfreedom.com!

It's not too late to reject the lie you're currently listening to.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

That can also look like:
"Lord, thank you that your TRUTH for me is the opposite of the lie I've been listening to. Right now, in this moment, I renounce (the lie - speak it out). You have NO power over me. I choose to cling to TRUTH. In Jesus' name, amen."

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7 (NIV)

In this latest article, guest blogger Marissa shares her FREEdom story of the transformation she's found moving from shame to VICTORY over her body image challenges, with Jesus alongside her.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3KqHu0q

Aging is a journey filled with wisdom, beauty, and profound growth, and there's no need to fear or stigmatize it. In this enlightening episode of the Old School Food Freedom Podcast, host Chrissy Kirkman engages in a heartfelt conversation with Heather Creekmore of Compared to Who about transforming our perceptions of aging. Join Chrissy and Heather as they attack the cultural messages and unrealistic expectations placed on women to maintain a youthful appearance, and how these pressures intersect with body image issues.

Drawing from Heather's latest book, 'Aging Gratefully,' they discuss the importance of finding confidence and security in Christ at any age. Heather emphasizes that our worth is not tied to our age or appearance, and encourages listeners to embrace the positive aspects of aging.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion that will equip you with tools to embrace aging with grace and positivity. This episode celebrates aging as a gift and an opportunity to live fully and authentically. So, embrace the moment God has given you, and remember, aging is not just about growing older, it's about growing wiser, more resilient, and more equipped in the calling God has for your life!

Listen on your favorite podcast streaming app or at oldschoolfoodfreedom.com!

Taking care of the body God gave you is important for your health, but if you're feeling pressure to be thin, THAT'S NOT HOLY.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Nowhere in scripture are we commanded to lose weight, and God doesn't want us to pursue things - even perceived "good things" - at the expense of walking in freedom and peace. ​​​​​​​​
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If you're feeling the pressure to lose weight, ask yourself where it's coming from, and what the motivation is. COMPANIES use slim models to create dissatisfaction in you so that you will buy their products. FAMILY AND FRIENDS who comment on your size may have weight concerns of their own which they find hard to let go of. And some WELL-MEANING CHRISTIANS may believe that being thinner = being holier. Not true.​​​​​​​​ Not biblical.
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What God cares most about is the condition of your heart, and that has nothing to do with your body size. ​​​​​​​​(We're rootin' for ya!)
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"I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me." - Isaiah 46:9b (NIV)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Jesus is walking with you, every step in His perfect timing.

He will not lead you somewhere He is not. Where He leads you, His presence is there.

And He isn’t surprised by a thing. He knows exactly what you’re facing today and what your future holds. His timing is PERFECT.

What do you need to release today that will help you simply “be” in His presence, just as you are?

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

This season, as we're bombarded with swimsuits and "summer bodies," let's be honest and say that what we all long for is "unfading beauty". ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Well, friends, there's good news. Jesus tells us how to achieve it!

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3VkFCwu

Feeling stuck? Unsure how to pray about the problem you're facing right now?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Try asking Jesus this simple question: "Lord, what do You want me to see?" He may speak to you through a mental picture, a Bible verse, a song, something happening around you, or a word from a friend. He often shows His love and attentive care in the most simple, sweet ways.

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)

Summer is a great time to get outside and make memories with friends and family, and there's no need to continue waiting until you're a certain size to enjoy it. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In this episode, our good friend and returning guest Heather Creekmore and Old School Food Freedom host Chrissy Kirkman chat about transforming the way we see our bodies this summer (and for all seasons). Come hear our discussion about the pressures of altering our bodies for the summer season, the toxic messages of diet culture, and the benefits of improving the quality of the content you consume.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Heather highlights that our worth is not defined by our appearance, and explains the significant impact body image struggles have on our ability to enjoy summer activities. Tune in for an uplifting discussion that will equip you with tools to reclaim your summer and view yourself with renewed positivity and grace. Summer is here and so are you, so go out and enjoy the moments God gives you!

Listen on your favorite podcast streaming app or at oldschoolfoodfreedom.com!

We asked our FINDINGbalance friends to share a next right step that moved them closer to freedom, because NO step with Jesus is insignificant. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Jill Palmer shared, "I told ED that I would eat at this church brunch even though it wasn't at his "approved eating time!"

Now THAT is having Christ-centered agency over your church brunch experience! Way to go, Jill!

You can say "yes" and "no" because YOU, not the food or diet culture, are the one with the power!

YOU have been given a SOUND MIND. And you have a GOD who is WITH YOU as you make choices. Not to mention, even if you make the "wrong" choice, it's not the end of the world. There are millions of choices yet to come. So BREATHE. Make the CHOICE that YOU want to make. Try it on for size, and see how it feels. We'd love to hear how it goes.​​​​​​​​

Let love and gratitude, not fear, lead your food choices today. You are worthy of it and the love will do you well
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“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything." 1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

With food rules and to-do lists, you become obligated to things that don't really matter and don't get you where you want (or need) to go. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Once you realize this, your life (and attitude) can drastically change! (Oh, hello, FREEDOM!)

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3yvd62p

We asked our FINDINGbalance friends to share a next right step that moved them closer to freedom, because NO step with Jesus is insignificant. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Our Executive Director, Chrissy Kirkman, shared, "I joined the gym for the first time since being in recovery, terrified as heck because I've never known fitness outside of a weight loss context. Now, I have 10 reasons to move that have nothing to do with body size or a scale readout!"

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Freedom is allowing yourself permission to feel what you feel, even when you feel scared or ill-equipped or messy. And then asking Jesus to help you see things in a new way, and give you the strength and courage to move in that direction one step at a time!

"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." - Mark 5:34 (NIV)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"CAN WE GET A WITNESS?" In this episode of the Old School Food Freedom Podcast, host Chrissy Kirkman and guest Kaitlyn Cey talk all about the transformative power of personal testimonies. Kaitlyn courageously shares her journey of battling body image issues and chronic illness, revealing how God met her in her darkest moments. Through their conversation, they explore the profound connection between "calling" and "testimony," emphasizing how sharing our stories can foster authentic community and bring hope and transformation to others.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Chrissy and Kaitlyn also discuss ways to overcome negative self-talk (lies from the enemy) and stand firm on the truth of God's word, highlighting scripture as the ultimate guide and a source of encouragement. Tune in as they illuminate how sharing our testimony is not only an act of worship but also a powerful means to make God known and bring about positive change in ourselves and those in our spheres of influence.

Head here to listen! https://bit.ly/3TM3b0oat
Or find us on oldschoolfoodfreedom.com!

We asked our FINDINGbalance friends to share a next right step that moved them closer to freedom, because NO step with Jesus is insignificant. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​C.G. shared, "I'm asking Jesus what He wants me to know before I make decisions, both big and small. For once, I'm really listening and He is really speaking!"

When you make the choice to believe the truth of God’s words over your thoughts, you will begin to see freedom. Choose today to invite Jesus into your decisions and remain anchored in truth! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

“But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22 (NLT)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In this life, we will all encounter seasons of struggle.

There will be days, even moments, that shatter our world. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This recovery journey is so full of ups and downs. And our Father is there.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/49XFjeV

Join us Wednesday, May 22 for a workshop on the Christian understanding of food, body image, and diet culture! We’ll discuss how we can live fully embodied lives free from body image and food concerns, and how we can respond and help others heal and find freedom.

This workshop is online via Zoom, and specifically designed for faith leaders, ministry volunteers, and mental health counselors. Register for free at the link below - it will be an event you won’t want to miss!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-whose-image-food-body-the-church-tickets-879702262147?aff=oddtdtcreator🌟💥🌿

We asked our FINDINGbalance friends to share a next right step that moved them closer to freedom, because NO step with Jesus is insignificant. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Michele Clark, LMFT shared, "The power of saying gentle, kind words aloud quited the loudness of the enemy's voice in my head."

Have you ever stopped to think about the way you talk to yourself? Are you saying words that are kind and life giving? Are they words you would ever say to a friend or loved one?​​​​​​​​
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The way we speak to ourselves has a huge impact on how we see ourselves. Next time a thought comes up that doesn't match your worth, try repeating what God says is true about you.​​​​​​​​ You are worthy of love and kindness, friend.
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"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth." - Proverbs 10:20 (ESV)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In this new episode of the Old School Food Freedom podcast, guest Rebecca Feere shares with host Chrissy Kirkman her journey of overcoming an eating disorder and finding freedom through God's grace. Rebecca's story will resonate with many, as she navigates through feelings of inadequacy, body image dissatisfaction, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Despite her achievements and outward success, Rebecca found herself trapped in a cycle of restrictive eating habits and internal turmoil. But by opening herself up to help, participating in a Lasting Freedom group, and following the guidance of the Lord, she embarked on a transformative journey marked by God's grace and the power of His Word.

Rebecca's story of surrender, healing, and rediscovering her identity in Christ serves as a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with similar challenges. As she reflects on her journey and the birth of her ministry, Space for Grace, she highlights the significance of creating space in our lives to embrace God's unlimited love and restoration. This episode offers valuable insights into her steps to freedom and the impact of surrendering to God's grace.

Listen on your favorite podcast streaming app or at oldschoolfoodfreedom.com!

FINDINGbalance was honored to have helped sponsor another Bring Your Brokenness recovery retreat. Thank You, Jesus, for walking with these precious families and staff!

We are still thanking God for all He did at our Recovery Retreat last weekend! A special thanks to our sponsors & session leaders FINDINGbalance and Anchored Christian Counseling.
"This retreat is marked as a changing point in my life and in my recovery. After attending this retreat, I am renewed in my choice to choose recovery, no matter how hard it is and no matter how long it takes. Also for the FIRST time, a member of my family has understood how to deal with me and my eating disorder. We used to only fight about the topic of needing to eat food. Now she lovingly encourages me, believes in me, and is there to speak the hard truth that I desperately need to hear. Thank you. You have saved my life from the eating disorder." - Attendee

When things get hard and it seems you're taking more steps backward than forward, take a moment to pause and evaluate who (or what) you are looking to for your identity. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Weight does not define you.

"Success" does not define you - even success at recovery. Only God makes you who you are.

Ask Him to help you remember that truth when you need it most.